Additional professional soccer teams could be coming to the Atlanta area, as an investor group could place multiple clubs at a proposed complex in the city’s suburbs.
The group in question includes Trey Brantley, a former tech executive who was previously linked to efforts to bring a NWSL franchise to the area. Brantley and his partners in that initiative had gathered some momentum in their efforts for the franchise, which was billed as the Atlanta Vibe, but he says that the development of the complex is now his main focus. As proposed, the facility could be used to attract a professional women’s league team as well as a lower-division men’s club.
Plans are underway to break ground on the privately-financed complex in 2017. Brantley says that the facility will come at the right time, as the launch of the MLS’ Atlanta United FC will boost the Atlanta area’s interest in soccer. More from Atlanta Magazine:
The project will be funded by investors and privately placed bonds, he said.
“It will have zero tax dollars involved in it,” said Brantley, former president of Dekalb County’s Triumph Youth Soccer Association (TYSA), whose interest in soccer was spurred by his daughter’s play in youth leagues.
He believes the new facility, and the teams that could end up playing there, won’t compete with the United, which is expected to start its inaugural Major League Soccer season in March at Arthur M. Blank’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.
“We’re just going to help bring soccer to the forefront, which will help the United,” Brantley said.
The complex is expected to be located east of Atlanta. Atlanta Magazine reports DeKalb County and Rockdale County as possible locations.
Image of NWSL action courtesy Portland Thorns.